By Adesuwa Tsan

365Daily – The House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on security in order to fast track all measures aimed at restoring peace in the country.

The Lawmakers said this in reaction to worsening insecurity across the country.

The House, in plenary on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, also summoned all Service Chiefs, Paramilitary Chiefs, Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service and the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT to brief the House on the security situation in the country.

The President was also urged to, as a matter of urgency, ensure financial autonomy to Local Government Councils to guarantee their functionality to serve the local populace.

These resolutions were sequel to a four hour closed-door session which held in the Green Chamber.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, read the resolutions after the executive session.

The Legislators charged all security related committees of the House to immediately commence a comprehensive audit of all military and paramilitary assets and arms in the Armed Services and revert back to the House within 4 weeks.

Furthermore, the House noted that the number of personnel in the Police and Military falls far short of the required number to effectively secure the country and called for immediate recruitment to address the shortfall.

The Green Chamber also condemned attacks on security agents and formations and sympathised with their families.

Similarly, it also extended with all the families and communities that have been victims of banditry, terrorism and criminal elements in the country, particularly in Ukpo, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia, Geidam LGA, Abagana, IDP Camp in Makurdi Urikpam, Jato-Aka, Police Divisions in the South East, Ehime Mbano, Uzo-Uwani in Enugu State, Uzuakoli, Abia State, Balenga Local Government Area of Gombe State, parts of Imo and nationwide.

The House also said in furtherance to its commitment to the security and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it will organise a special security summit.

The Lawmakers called on the judiciary to accelerate the prosecution of those awaiting trial due to banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities.

While calling for provision of emergency relief to all communities that have been adversely affected by recent attacks across the country, the Legislators asked the  Federal Government to ensure the protection of national infrastructure assets, particularly the Shiroro and Kainji Dams in Niger State.